SKF in World-leading Partnership For Magnetic Bearings

SKF and Calgary-based Revolve Technologies Inc. in Canada have decided to establish a new company, Revolve Magnetic Bearings Inc. The formation of the new company brings together the world leader in bearing technology and the leading company in the technology, development, manufacturing and marketing of magnetic bearings. "With this alliance, we have the combined strength and reputation necessary to clearly establish us as the world's leading supplier of this technology", said Kim Sturgess, CEO of Revolve Magnetic Bearings Inc. SKF will own a 40-percent stake in the new company, with the option to increase its ownership to 100 percent in the future. In the magnetic bearing, the rotary axle "floats" in a magnetic field. Computer-controlled sensors ensure that the axle remains in a fixed position. Since there is no metallic contact in magnetic bearings, they are able to withstand extremely high rotary speeds and can cope easily with rates of 150 000 revolutions per minute (or 2 500 revolutions per second"). For comparative purposes, it can be noted that a high-performance Formula One racing car engine at full throttle can "only"reach about 15 000 revs per minute. "Magnetic bearings are poised to make their commercial take-off and, as the world's leading bearing producer, our position must be in the front line," said Anders Brännström, Director, New Business within SKF and Chairman of the new company. Magnetic bearings are particularly appropriate for applications within such areas as high-speed spindles for machine tools, vacuum pumps and large turbo compressors. The existing market for magnetic bearings is around USD 50 million per year. Industry analysts forecast a growth of several times this amount in the next few years.